Louie Mack's Steakhouse in Lakeland Shuts Down Amid Financial Woes

The troubled Louie Mack's Steakhouse in Lakeland, which opened in 2006, has closed for good, Martin Callery, director of operations, announced Wednesday.

Scott Wheeler | The Ledger (2010)

By KYLE KENNEDYTHE LEDGER

Published: Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at 10:09 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at 10:09 p.m.

LAKELAND | Louie Mack's Steakhouse has permanently closed.

The restaurant at 5700 S. Florida Ave. shut down on Tuesday amid financial struggles, said Martin Callery, director of operations.

Callery was part of a group who took over the restaurant in May.

"Our hopes were to revitalize the concept, but due to a lack of business and the current business climate we decided to close," he said in an email. "Louie Mack's would like to thank all of its former customers and friends for all the memories."

Louie Mack's opened in June 2006, offering a homegrown, upscale steakhouse experience in an area largely dominated by chain restaurants. A Ledger review from February 2007 scored it three and a half out of five stars.

Complaints about the restaurant's

service and quality were prevalent in recent online reviews and social media comments.

The restaurant temporarily closed July 29 after inspectors cited it for live roaches in the kitchen, as well as several lesser violations. Louie Mack's reopened the next day after a follow-up inspection. One of the restaurant's founders, Lakeland businessman Jeff Holden, still owns the building.

"It is my understanding that multiple parties are interested in leasing the building with plans of opening a new concept at the location," Callery said.

[ Kyle Kennedy can be reached atkyle.kennedy@theledger.com or 863-802-7584. ]

<p>LAKELAND | Louie Mack's Steakhouse has permanently closed.</p><p>The restaurant at 5700 S. Florida Ave. shut down on Tuesday amid financial struggles, said Martin Callery, director of operations. </p><p>Callery was part of a group who took over the restaurant in May.</p><p>"Our hopes were to revitalize the concept, but due to a lack of business and the current business climate we decided to close," he said in an email. "Louie Mack's would like to thank all of its former customers and friends for all the memories."</p><p>Louie Mack's opened in June 2006, offering a homegrown, upscale steakhouse experience in an area largely dominated by chain restaurants. A Ledger review from February 2007 scored it three and a half out of five stars.</p><p>Complaints about the restaurant's </p><p>service and quality were prevalent in recent online reviews and social media comments.</p><p>The restaurant temporarily closed July 29 after inspectors cited it for live roaches in the kitchen, as well as several lesser violations. Louie Mack's reopened the next day after a follow-up inspection. One of the restaurant's founders, Lakeland businessman Jeff Holden, still owns the building.</p><p>"It is my understanding that multiple parties are interested in leasing the building with plans of opening a new concept at the location," Callery said.</p><p>[ Kyle Kennedy can be reached atkyle.kennedy@theledger.com or 863-802-7584. ]</p>